In a surprising turn of events, six committee members at Thornaby FC have stepped down from their positions following a contentious decision that has sparked outrage. The club’s entire female section, including under 7s, under 8s, under 10s, under 11s, under 15s, and women’s teams, was removed during an emergency meeting held over the weekend.

The decision, which has left more than 100 girls without a club, has raised questions about the club’s priorities and management. Thornaby FC cited low staffing levels as the reason behind the move, but the day-to-day running of the club now hangs in the balance.

Now Whitby-born Lioness Beth Mead has weighed in, branding the decision “disgusting” and offering her support to the women and girls affected.

Club chairman Garry Morris, who voted against the decision, released a statement after the meeting on June 8. He expressed his anger by withdrawing support for the women’s teams and called on the board to reconsider their decision. Morris emphasised that decisions should prioritise the future of the club and the unwavering support from fans of both male and female teams across all age groups.

The controversy has even caught the attention of Tees Valley Mayor, who criticised the decision, stating that the “mindset belongs in the 1970s.”

The fallout from this decision continues to reverberate within the football community, raising important questions about gender equality and inclusivity in sports.